A/N:

For those who haven't already, I highly recommend reading Center Chase prior to reading this book. To those who have already read Center Chase, welcome back. I'm so excited to bring you Jenna Taylor and Tanner "T.J." Levine's story. 

This book does start timewise prior to the start of Center Chase. I wanted to make sure you got to see how these two met and how their relationship got started. The story POVs will be written using Tay/T.J.'s given names, not their nicknames. So, Tay will be written as "Jenna" and T.J. (stands for Tanner Joseph) will be written as "Tanner"- there is a reason for it, and it will be explained in the book. 

**This is the unedited version, final edited version is available on Amazon.**

:)     Without further ado, here's the story you've been patiently waiting on. I hope you enjoy! 

Tanner

I can't believe it. I am no longer a member of the Chicago Empires professional hockey team. My old team was great, full of talent and decent management, but they wanted to bring in some new blood and couldn't afford my contract and the price for the new guys' contracts. So, they opted to work out a trade that was mutually beneficial to the team and me. My agent made sure I got the best-paying contract with the best team- the team that I've wanted to play for since I got out of high school.

Now, I'm going to be playing for the New York City Cobras. They're one of the best in the league, and they wanted me to play for them- not that I'm surprised. I am one of the best right-wingers in the sport right now. When other teams heard Chicago was looking to trade me, I had so many teams begging me to come play for them. They wanted T.J. Levine to draw fans to the stands.

You see, I have a bit of a reputation, both on and off the ice. I'm good at what I do. On the ice, I put pucks into the back of nets, win fights, keep the crowds entertained, and fill seats in the stands. Off the ice, I fill tabloids, draw in a lot of female attention, and refuse to get tied down. I was known as the 'playboy of Chicago' during my time playing for their pro team, and I have no doubt I'll sink into the role of 'playboy of New York' in no time. So what if the stories exaggerate the number of my exploits? It's not the quantity that matters; it's the illusion that I've built up to bolster my reputation. It's what the fans want, it's what I want, and I see no reason to change a good thing.

I moved into my new apartment last week and have taken my time unpacking and getting settled. It's nothing crazy, one bedroom, one bathroom, nice kitchen and living space. There's a private elevator that I only have to share with three other units. And according to the building manager, two of the three occupants are gone more than half the year for work. It's great for me. Having MIA neighbors means I won't have to play friendly and get to know them. That's not really what I do. Outside of my management team and friends who are also pro-athletes, I prefer not to get too involved with people. I learned a long time ago that the more people you let in, the more you're bound to get hurt.

My parents taught me that. They never wanted a kid, so when Mom wound up pregnant with me, I ruined their plan for their lives. They were always happy before I came along. At least, that's what Dad always told me. According to Mom and him, I was never wanted. I was a mistake- a burden. They didn't really love me or want me in their lives. I spent all my childhood working my ass off to make something of myself- to make them proud. Everything I did was never good enough, though. Then, I was drafted right out of high school into the pros, that's the day things changed. Mom and Dad became more attentive after that. They showered me with affection and whispered everything I always wanted to hear from them- that they were proud of me, that they loved me.

It took me a couple of years to realize that they were using me for my status and money. They were faking affection to get what they wanted. When I cut them off, they showed their true colors. It became apparent to me that the only choice I had going forward was to keep my circle small. I could only truly trust one person in my life other than myself- my agent, Marcus. He's always looked out for me, kept me in check, and made sure I never got taken advantage of. He was more of a parent to me than my actual parents. And he never once judged me for the choices I've made in my personal life.

Thanks to good old Mom and Dad, I've never felt compelled to settle down. What's the point? With my luck, I'd end up with someone just like my parents who didn't actually like me for me- someone who is just looking for money and status. No, I prefer to keep my love life limited to one or two nights with the same person- never more than that. After all, I didn't get labeled 'playboy' for nothing. I relish in the reputation I've built for myself. My life is great. Why ruin it by introducing complicated things like relationships and commitment. 

Most of the women I've been with understood that; some thought they could change me. They thought one night was enough to make me want to forsake my old ways and start something exclusive- hah! That's one thing I never foresee happening. I'm now twenty-eight years old, and the thought of settling has never crossed my mind. No one has even tempted me so far, and I doubt anyone ever will.

~

I finally get to practice with the new team today. The excitement builds up inside of me as I walk down the hallway toward the locker room, gear in hand. So far, I've only met the coaches and management, but that is about to change. I've only heard good things about the guys on this team. They work together like a well-oiled machine, they all put in the work, and they respect each other. I'm looking forward to working with these guys. I've been on teams before that didn't work well together. One guy, in particular, comes to mind, Tatum Charles. He was a real piece of work- didn't play well with others, didn't understand the concept of teamwork or sportsmanship. All in all, the guy was a total douche. The day he got traded was one of the best days of my life.

I'm reminiscing about my former team as I get closer to the locker room. As I turn the corner, I see someone standing outside the door. I stop in my tracks as I take in the sight before me. She's quite possibly the most attractive woman I've ever seen in my life. And she hasn't seen me yet. This gives me the opportunity to take her in to memorize every inch of the goddess before me. She's about 5'4", with beautiful tanned skin, big hazel eyes, long dark hair, and a perfectly sculpted body. I can't help myself from dragging my eyes over her several times. She's got the nicest ass I've ever seen, and her tits are deliciously showcased under her tight tee-shirt. I lick my lips as I imagine how nice her assets would feel in my hands. Oh, fuck yeah!

The hockey gods are smiling down on me today. Thank you for sending me the hottest puck bunny in the history of hockey! I mean, why else would this chick be outside the team locker room? And who am I to deny her what she clearly wants?

I start heading closer to the mystery woman. As I get closer, she looks up from her phone. God, her lips look delicious! I flash her a sexy smile and swoop in for the kill. "Hey there, gorgeous."

She looks at me and replies, "Hey, yourself."

Even her voice is sexy. I try to keep my composure as I lay down my charm. "You know, I'm part of the team. I could give you a tour or introduce you to the guys sometime if you'd like."

She quirks an eyebrow. "Oh, is that right?"

Okay, not the level of excitement I was expecting from a bunny, but hey, maybe she's good at playing it cool. "Oh, yeah. I may even be able to swing some tickets to a game for you. I'd have to pull a few strings, of course, but for you, it'd be worth it."

I send her another dazzling smile, one that always makes the bunnies swoon. "If you give me your number, I could get that set up for you."

She smirks. "You haven't even told me your name, and you want me to give you my number?"

I can't help but chuckle at her reaction. She's feisty. I like it! "I'm Tanner, Tanner Levine. Most people call me T.J."

I don't know why I introduced myself like that- 'Tanner, Tanner Levine'- I never use my given name. It's the name my parents gave me, the one they used when they were telling me what a fuck up I was. I've always resented the name because of that. So, for as long as I can remember, I've just gone by T.J., and when I usually introduce myself I usually just say 'hey, I'm T.J., what's your name?' but something about this girl has me rattled enough to give her my real name.

I hear her hum to herself before she replies, "Well, Tanner, that's a real sweet offer, but I'm good."

Damn, I don't hate the way my name sounds on her lips. I almost like it. I'm so caught up in hearing my actual name fall from her mouth that I almost don't process the last part of her answer.

Wait, did she just- ? Did she really just decline my offer? That never happens.

She starts to walk away as I'm processing what just happened. I turn around to see that she's already halfway down the hall.

"Don't I get to know your name, beautiful?" I shout down the hall.

I half expected her to ignore me, but to my astonishment, she stops and turns her head. "It's Jenna."

As she disappears from my sight, I smile to myself as I repeat her name. After Jenna turned me down, I silently make a wish that I'll get to see her again. I've never been turned down by a puck bunny before. It's baffling. Maybe she just needs another round of playful banter to get the juices flowing.

Yeah, that's it. I know I'll have better luck next time with Jenna. 

A/N:

Thank you for taking the time to check out The Right Side of Tanner. If you are enjoying so far, don't be afraid to vote and/or comment and let me know :)

Every vote and comment helps elevate the story so others will be more likely to find it on Wattpad and hopefully enjoy it as much as you all have. I'll be back tomorrow with another chapter!

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